The constitution of India is the highest law in India it mentions the powers and duties of the various government institutions. It also talks about the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens of India.
The constitution of India starts with a preamble, an introductory statement that explains the philosophy and objectives of the Constitution.
The Constitution was drafted by the constituent assembly which consisted of several members. Dr. Ambedkar was the chairman of the drafting committee. The Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January 1950.
The constitution says that all Indians are equal and it is our fundamental duty to respect the constitution, the national flag and the national anthem.
The Right to Education makes it compulsory to provide free education to children in India between 6 to 14 years of age.
The Directive Principles help governing bodies to make policies.
Our Constitution
Constitution is a comprehension document containing the set of rules according to which the government of a country runs. The aim of a constitution of a nation is to ensure smooth governance for the welfare of its citizens.
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru proposed the Objectives Resolution on Dec 13, 1946. The Resolution highlighted the following principles are –
- a. Free India will be a republic.
- b. The ideals of social , political and economic democracy would be guaranteed to all people.
- c. The republic would grant Fundamental rights to citizens.
- d. The state would safeguard the rights of minorities and backward classes.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly. He incorporated the following principles in the Constitution.
- a. Making the constitution workable, flexible and strong to hold the country together both in peace and war.
- b. Providing special safeguards to the minorities and those who are socially and educationally backward.
- c. Incorporating the Right to Constitutional Remedies to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of the individuals are not violated by the centre and the state.
- d. Single citizenship, single judiciary and uniformity in fundamental laws to integrate society.
- e. Incorporating Directive Principles to ensure social and economic democracy and welfare of the people.
The constitution was adopted and passed by the Constituent Assembly on Nov 26,1949. The constitution came into force from Jan 26, 1950.
The date Jan 26,1950 was specially selected because of its historical importance. It was on this date, Jan 26in 1929 that the Lahore session of the Indian congress had for the first time given the call of Purna Swaraj or Complete Independence.
Questions and Answers
Question: What is a constitution?
Answer: A constitution refers to laws and basic principles that forms the basis for governing a country.
Question: Who was Dr B R Ambedkar?
Answer: Dr B R Ambedkar was the chairman of the constituent assembly.
Question: Why is the Preamble of our constitution important?
Answer: The Preamble informs how India is governed.
Question: What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?
Answer: The directive principles of state policy are guidelines for making government policies.
Question: What is the difference between fundamental rights and fundamental duties?
Answer: Fundamental Rights are the rights guaranteed by the constitution to all citizens. Fundamental Duties are responsibilities of the citizens towards the country.
Question: Why do you think that fundamental duties are a part of the Constitution?
Answer: Rights and duties are interlinked. One cannot enjoy rights without fulfilling our duties. Hence, fundamental duties are also a part of the constitution.
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